Notts Outlaws have been drawn against Somerset in the knock out stages of the Vitality Blast after finishing fourth in the North section group following a win over Leicestershire Foxes on Sunday.
After being beaten by Birmingham Bears in their penultimate group game on Friday night, despite an incredible four wicket first over from Pakistani speedster Shah Afridi at Trent Bridge, Notts needed to beat their East Midlands rivals at the weekend, which they managed, to secure their passage into the last eight, finishing fourth in the table, meaning they’ll now head to Taunton on Friday to face Somerset who won the South section, winning twelve of their fourteen matches played.
Against Leicestershire in a tight encounter, Notts made 168/8 largely thanks to a Tom Moores 68 from 40, following up on his 73 off 42 balls from Friday night.
In response, the Foxes came close landing just four short of target after twenty overs, South African Wiaan Mulder 83 not out, unable to lead his side home, two for 26 by Shah Afridi with two from fellow countryman Imad Wasim and a couple each from Carter and Harrison helping Notts get the job done.
The Quarter finals lineup is as follows: Birmingham Bears v Essex Eagles (Thursday 6th July), Hampshire Hawks v Worcestershire Rapids, Somerset v Notts Outlaws, Lancashire Lightning v Surrey (all Friday 7th July).
The Blast Finals day this year is at Edgbaston on Saturday 15th July.
Also going well, after falling short in their T20 campaign with a rain delayed final defeat against Southern Vipers in the Charlotte Edwards Cup, are East Midlands based The Blaze, the women’s white ball team currently leading the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy competition with four wins from six games.
At a sunny Bristol County Ground on Sunday, they took on Western Storm and won a thriller by six runs thanks largely to a Marie Kelly 54 and some very good bowling during the Storm innings. Blaze take on Northern Diamonds this Friday at Chesterfield and have eight matches remaining of their season.
*Main image @TrentBridge Calvin Harrison celebrates a wicket v Leicestershire.
